News

Man arrested on possession of concealed weapon

Bernard Valentine, 20, was smoking marijuana in front of kids when officers contacted him

An East Palo Alto man was arrested on suspicion of illegally carrying a concealed weapon Tuesday evening in East Palo Alto. The arrest was made after the Menlo Park Narcotics Enforcement Team contacted a group of people openly smoking marijuana in front of children, according to police.

Officers from the narcotics team were following up on an investigation in the first block of Newell Court in East Palo Alto.

Detectives contacted a group of three people openly smoking marijuana in the courtyard of an apartment complex "in full view" of a group of eight to 10 children, at which time one man tried to run away, according to police.

Bernard Valentine, 20, was tackled and arrested. During the struggle to handcuff Mr. Valentine, a loaded pistol was found in his waistband, according to police.

The gun was later determined to have been recently reported stolen in a local residential burglary, police said.

Mr. Valentine was booked into San Mateo County jail on suspicion of possessing a concealed loaded firearm, and possession of stolen property.

The Menlo Park Police Department is asking anyone with additional information about the incident to call 650-330-6300. Anonymous tips can be reported at 650-330-6395.